Objective: To gain an appreciation for the methods and approaches and limitations of science as well as for the wonders of nature and the universe. You must come to this course with a desire to learn.

Communication: You need to subscribe to the cosmos mailing list (LS-red). This mailing list will be an excellent place to further class discussions. You are responsible for the material distributed to the class through e-mail. Good stuff will also be posted on the website listed above.

Videos/News Articles: You will need to watch at least seven episodes from the Astronomers series or the Space Age series which are on reserve in the library and write a one-page essay on each one (all must be turned in by class time on Nov. 11). These should be written and turned in by e-mail, one summary per e-mail message. If, due to distance, you can't make it to the reserve library, you may turn in 6 news articles about science to count for a video. Articles must be annotated and tied in to the class.

Homework: Homework will be assigned for each chapter. You may work together on them, but be sure you know the answers personally before turning them in. They will be due before class on the day we watch the corresponding video. You should do these things in the following order for each chapter: 1) Read the chapter in the book, 2) Complete the homework assignment, 3) Watch the video, and 4) Take the quiz.

Participation and Help: Participation in class discussions (including discussion over the e-mail list) is important. For help, you are encouraged to see (or call)me during my posted office hours (M-F 10:30 11:20) and at other times by appointment. Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, room 247 Greenwood Student Center, phone number (435)283-7244. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of appropriate services and aids.

Group Presentation: Your group of two or three will give an oral presentation to the class on a topic other than your term paper topic. The topic should be cleared by me (by Sept 11) before you start preparing. Be creative in the presentation to make it interesting and educational to the rest of the class. It should last 20-25 min. Leave time for Q&A.

Term Paper: Write a three to five pages of text (in addition to the title page, diagrams, bibliography, endnotes) research paper (typed rough draft due on Oct. 30; final draft due on Nov 25; no late papers accepted) which explores some question (topic cleared by me by Sept 11) about the cosmos which is of interest to you (different from the topic of your group presentation). It should be typed and you should use (and cite properly) at least three sources (in addition to any encyclopedias), including at least one from the internet and one from a traditional paper source. This should be be the best paper you have ever written.

Final Exam: The final should be taken between Dec 11 and Dec 16. It will be comprehensive.

Grading: Category weightings:
Homework 10% Quizzes 15% Participation 10%
Group Work 20% Videos/Articles 10% Final Exam 20%
Term Paper 15%